Is It A Headache Or A Migraine?

There is nothing quite like a pounding headache to ruin your day. However, there is a big difference between regular headaches and a genuine attack of migraine, says Professor Kerryn Phelps.

- Kerryn Phelps

You might be able to struggle through the tasks you have to do for a while, but once a headache gets a hold it can be impossible to concentrate or to function normally. There is a big difference between regular, milder headache and a genuine attack of migraine.

A migraine is a severe throbbing headache, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light and sound. It is thought to be a result of abnormal nerve function and imbalances in chemicals in the brain. It affects women more often than men, likely because of hormonal factors.

There may be an advance warning, called an “aura”, up to half an hour before the headache appears. This can take the form of a vision disturbance such as shimmering lights around objects, zigzag lines, hallucinations or temporary loss of vision. Limb weakness, trouble speaking, dizziness, and tingling or numbness of your face, tongue or limbs can also signal an approaching migraine.

Another puzzling condition we see from time to time is the migraine without headache. You get the aura or a neurological symptom, but the headache doesn’t arrive.